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In 1979, Clifton Presbyterian Church established “Clifton Night Hospitality”, an emergency shelter with the purpose of providing year-round over-night housing for thirty sick, disabled, elderly and/or men living with HIV/AIDS who were homeless. For almost 24 years Night Hospitality at Clifton welcomed homeless men to a place of shelter each night. More importantly it has provided personal hospitality in a society that is all too often very impersonal. This hospitality and our neighborhood setting have combined to provide a unique environment that provides physical, mental and spiritual healing to our guests.
In 1997 a non-profit was established and a small apartment building was purchased to provide transitional housing, “Joe's Place” across the street from the church for seven men advancing from Night Hospitality. This program provides the support needed for a successful transition from homelessness to independent living. While there was a strong bond Joe’s Place was managed independently from Clifton Presbyterian Church and the Night Hospitality program as Lake Claire Community Apartments.
Towards the end of 2002 it had become obvious to the membership of Clifton Presbyterian Church that the Night Hospitality program had become the primary mission of the church. Indeed many would say it had become the sole function of the church. With the closing of the church a strong possibility the leadership of the church approached the board of Lake Claire Community Apartments (Joe’s Place) about the possibility of transferring management of Night Hospitality to the non-profit corporation.
In June of 2003 Clifton Sanctuary Ministries was officially formed. In simple terms we run an emergency shelter and a transitional housing program. Our mission statement however defines a much deeper objective. “Sharing the love of God we are a sanctuary to men seeking to overcome homelessness.” A unique combination of our location, neighborhood support and Christian love make this possible.
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